We’ve been waiting for you, patio season. Here, seven of the best restaurant verandas in the area—i.e., one great patio for every day of the week.
SHANAHAN’S STEAKHOUSE
Denver Tech Center
303.770.7300
Combining luxury with comfort, the big city feel of this patio elevates the alfresco experience. Modern loungers are shaded by sweeping umbrellas and the monochromatic, gray-on-gray décor helps you and your nosh stand out in photos. Don’t miss the restaurant’s lauded outdoor summer concert series; reservations for the patio are recommended.
FOGO DE CHÃO
Park Meadows
303.481.4001
The Brazilian steakhouse’s second Colorado location, opened in November of last year, comes with not one, but two patios—one on the first floor and one on the second—with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Tip: The “Full Churrasco Experience”—a prix-fixe menu with a “continual service” of salads, veggies, feijoada (a traditional black bean stew served over rice), fire-roasted meats carved tableside and more—makes for an unforgettable feast; the plates created by the chefs in the kitchen (like the mango Chilean sea bass) create a solid light lunch.
SIERRA
Lone Tree
303.662.8800
This chalet-style restaurant offers amazing views of the city both inside and out. The patio, however, is a local favorite. The outdoor space is anchored by a horseshoe-shaped bar and fire pit, plus sparkling lights, exposed brick, a flagstone floor and greenery.
YAYA’S EURO BISTRO
Greenwood Village
303.741.1110
Whimsy meets elegance, and then creates an award-winning outdoor dining experience at this American, French, Italian and Greek mash-up concept. The wrap-around patio looks out over a sizable pond with fountains and is covered with pleasant yellow umbrellas.
PARK PLACE AT THE RIDGE
Castle Pines
303.688.4301
Serene—that’s the one word that describes this mountain lodge-inspired patio, also known as the best outdoor seat in Castle Pines. Every spot features a splendid view of The Ridge at Castle Pines North, a daily-fee golf course.
LOS CHINGONES
Denver Tech Center
303.567.4258
Head to this DTC eatery for a downtown vibe without all the hustle. The urban concrete patio is draped in string lights, electric blue hoop chairs and other eclectic accessories. When open, large garage doors connect the patio to the inside bar. People-watch along South Newport Street and, when you are ready to move about, explore the neighboring grassy courtyard.
INDULGE BISTRO AND WINE BAR
The Streets at Southglenn
303.730.7200
Indulge puts you in the center of the action. The eatery’s third location, this spot opened in the fall of last year. The wrap-around, partially-covered outdoor area looks out at the Southglenn fountain on the large, oval roundabout.